Question

Which among the following are the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system?

• A. Secretion of saliva
• B. Dilation of the pupil of the eye
• C. Retardation of heartbeat
• D. Decrease of peristalsis

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

The correct options are
A

Secretion of saliva

C

Retardation of heartbeat

The autonomic nervous system is broadly classified into the Parasympathetic and Sympathetic nervous system.

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for violent actions against abnormal conditions while the parasympathetic nervous system helps the body regain its normal state.

Secretion of saliva and retardation of the heartbeat after a heavy workout or breathing aim at bringing the body back to its normal state and are hence actions of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Actions like retardation of growth, peristalsis, and contraction of the heart are the actions of the sympathetic nervous system.